Thanks to technological advancements, the elder care industry has changed dramatically. These technological advancements helps senior citizens feel much more safe when living at home alone. This doesn't just include alarm systems or life line type call systems. It has never been easier to care for our seniors before.
The eNeighbor should definitely be given some consideration. You can attach this wireless sensor virtually anywhere, including beneath a bed. Thanks to this sensor, you can detect exactly when your loved one gets in and out of bed. If something unusual is noticed, it sends a message to authorities who then call the house. If there is no answer, emergency crews are summoned. In the case of 78 year old Bertha Branch, this probably ended up saving her life. Her story was retold in the New York Times.
Branch fell down while getting up in the middle of the night and was unable to get back up. She had left her life alert button elsewhere and had no way to call out for help. Since the sensor didn't detect her getting back into bed during the middle of the night, it requested that someone check on her. When she didn't answer their calls, they knew something was wrong. She was taken to the hospital after emergency crews came to her home and found her on the floor. Fortunately for her, she only had to spend an hour or so on the floor before being rescued.
Unfortunately, these technological gadgets aren't exactly cheap and many of them aren't covered by many health insurance companies. The system that Ms. Branch has in place costs about $100 per month. But their benefits outweigh their price. Without the eNeighbor device, Ms. Branch would probably not be able to live on her own. A stay in a nursing home is much more expensive than the monthly cost of one of these sensors, however. Using the system is a much more affordable solution. Most people if given the choice would prefer not to leave their home. These health sensors can certainly come in handy.
With all of this equipment, don't forget that there are humans behind them. This is something that a computer or a sensor cannot replace. People are social animals, they need companionship. Thanks to all of these technological improvements, it is much easier for the average senior to live in their own home for a longer period of time in today's society.